Our Correspondent

Palampur, September 29

The mortal remains of Lt Col Rajneesh Parmar, who died in a chopper crash in Bhutan, were consigned to flames this evening with full state honours at Akshana temple, Nanao, in the presence of a large number of people, who had come from far-flung areas to pay tributes to the officer.

A pall of gloom descended on the village, 15 km from here, this afternoon when the body of 42-year-old martyr was brought to his native village. Rajneesh had lost his life when an Army chopper crashed near Yongphulla in Bhutan on Friday. Parmar was posted in the Northeast to train the officers of Bhutanese army.

Earlier in the morning, his body was airlifted to the Army helipad at Holta Cantonment, 3 km from here, in an Army helicopter where it was received by senior Army and civil officers.

During a brief halt at Holta Cantonment, Major General AK Samantra of the DAH Division of the 9th Core laid wreath on the body on behalf of the Army and paid condolences to his family. Later, his body was taken to his house at Maranda.

His body was received by local residents, family members, relatives and officials of the district and police administration.

Vipin Singh Parmar, state Health Minister, laid a wreath on behalf of Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur. Earlier, he called on the family of the martyr at his residence.